Glossary definition: Data Breach

Data Breach: Protect Your Business from Unauthorized Access

A data breach is an incident in which sensitive, confidential, or protected data is accessed, viewed, stolen, or used by an individual or organization without the knowledge or authorization of the data's owner. This can include data stored in physical and digital forms, such as financial records, medical records, and customer information. Data breaches can occur when data is accessed through malicious means, such as hacking, phishing, or malware, or when data is accidentally leaked or exposed, such as through misconfigured servers or databases. The consequences of a data breach can be serious, including financial losses, reputational damage, and legal liabilities. In some cases, the data breach can even lead to identity theft and other forms of fraud. To protect against data breaches, organizations should have strong data security policies and procedures in place, as well as effective monitoring and response protocols.